Three Kingdoms

Cao Cao was very anxious. This anxiety caused his hair to fall out one by one. Soon his hairline continued to develop upwards, and there were some gray hairs on his temples.

Although he achieved a certain victory in Heluo, he was completely defeated on the frontal battlefield. Even though Cao Cao repeatedly emphasized that this was a strategic change, in fact, it was what it should be, and it would not be because he changed his name. , will lead to any changes in the results.

Dongjun is Cao Cao's basic base. Yingchuan is Cao Cao's base camp.

It's not that other places are dispensable, it's just that they are not as important as these two places. But the problem is that Cao Cao seems to feel that even these two places are somewhat unprotectable.

Cao Cao knew this, and other people were not fools, so they could naturally detect it.

Therefore, these days, no matter the officials or the nobles, they are cautious, with their tail between their legs, not daring to show off in front of Cao Cao, for fear of being used as a backstop in Cao Cao's anger...

As for being behind Cao Cao, haha, it's simply exciting.

In the fourth year of Yanping's reign, on December 15th, there was a great meeting.

Cao Cao sat swaying on the canopy car, his brand-new brocade robes scattering a dazzling light under the winter sun. Cao Cao has a solemn expression on his face, his hair and beard are not messy, the golden Diao Chan crown on his head is shining, and the Diao Chan tail is bright, which makes people feel extraordinary magnanimity.

"Mr. Cao..."

"I've seen Sikong..."

The officials, big and small, who were waiting in front of the palace gate hurriedly paid tribute to Cao Cao, put on smiles so sweet that it would make people tremble, and greeted him respectfully.

"Well..." Cao Cao leisurely got out of the canopy car. As usual, he still half-cupped his hands and bowed in return, "I've seen you all..." Then the small eyeballs under his thick eyebrows quickly swiped left and right. After a moment, he immediately narrowed his eyes again, with the smile still on his face, as if he was not bothered by the things on the front line at all.

Almost as soon as Cao Cao arrived, Xiao Huangmen came up to him with a shy smile, "Mr. Cao, this... the auspicious time has come, can you go to court early..."

Cao Cao nodded slightly.

The small yellow gate immediately bent down and retreated quickly and silently. Immediately, the guards in front of the palace gate shouted loudly and entered one after another, starting the day's grand meeting.

Under the leadership of Cao Cao, hundreds of officials advanced one by one, and the Han Emperor came slowly.

Straightforward and not messy at all.

His Majesty Yu Dan from the Xiaohuang Clan shouted loudly: "If anything happens, report it early; if nothing happens, retreat from the court!"

Almost everyone glanced at Cao Cao quickly and as covertly as possible...

There was silence.

After a while, Xun Yu came out, cupped his hands and said: "Your Majesty, this is the end of the year, and you should control the people with lightness and severity. Although the year is not good, but there is a little reserve, there should be more than enough, but not enough. Confucius said: 'Those who have a country and a family are not worried about poverty but about inequality; they are not worried about being widowed but about insecurity.' Therefore, the emperor does not say much, and the princes do not talk about interests. Be benevolent and righteous, and be virtuous. Those who stick to the distance will be pleased to obey. It is often said that those who are good at conquering will not fight, those who are good at fighting will not be teachers, and those who are good teachers will not form formations. If you go up to the temple to practice, you will turn back and return to the teacher. It is very cold at the end of the year and there will be many hardships, so please come out of the warehouse. A king who provides relief to the people, gathers homeless people, and practices benevolent governance can also shine His Majesty's kindness on the world..."

As soon as Xun Yu said this, he immediately attracted a group of eyes that were either surprised or confused.

What kind of disaster relief can we do while we have time to spare?

At the same time, everyone looked at Cao Cao's face again, only to see that Cao Cao's face was still solemn, and even the golden cicada on his head was motionless, as if he didn't want to speak at all.

It seems that this has been discussed long ago?

But why?

A sparse sound suddenly sounded in the hall, which was a mixture of whispers and the sound of court clothes rubbing together.

Liu Xie pondered for a moment and then said: "Nowadays, the four parties are cunning, disturbing the capital, doing wanton violence, and being rebellious. Therefore, they organize military reforms, raise armies to attack, garrison and prepare, and transfer grain... If we start to provide relief to the refugees, we will make the border troops Are you hungry and cold?"

Cao Cao coughed slightly, and there was a sudden silence in the hall. "Yes. The sages of ancient times are not the same as running a family, and making a country rich is not the same. In the past, Guan Zhong used power to tyrannize, but the Ji family used strength to perish. The people should maintain their health in agriculture, and the foundation of the country is also like Shun's lack of care. Tao, Yi Yin is not a cook. Therefore, those who serve the country well will be high in the world, and I will be valued when the world underestimates me. Although there is a war today, it can be settled, so we cannot abandon the people because of the war, and the peasants are destroyed because of the war. …”

Liu Xie looked at Cao Cao deeply, as if he wanted to see something special from Cao Cao's nose and beard... Well, the main reason is because Cao Cao's eyes are too small. When he squints, no one can see...

After pondering for a while, Liu Xie nodded and said, "Sikong Zhi's words are very good...just go ahead and play..."

…………………………………………

"This old thief must be just putting on airs..." Wei Huang, the warlord engaged, patted the table and muttered dissatisfiedly. After the morning court, no matter how much Wei Huang thought about it, he felt that something was wrong with this matter, so he came to Geng Ji's home.

"Be careful!" Geng Ji shouted, then moved the screen away, and then said slowly, "Brother Wei, do you want to follow in Dong's footsteps?"

Wei Huang knew that he couldn't control it for a moment, so he cupped his hands towards Geng Ji, expressed his apology, and then said: "Brother Geng, what do you think of what happened today?"

Geng Ji looked out the window and was silent for a moment.

In the courtyard outside the window, there is an old tree with rugged branches pointing into the sky. Although it is small, it seems to want to pierce the gray sky. The cold wind howled, and the cloud cards hanging under the eaves were almost blown up, twisting, as if they were trying to break free from their shackles with the help of the cold wind...

"It's not just about taking advantage of the situation, it's also about taking the truth..." Geng Ji said softly, "I've heard for a long time that Xun Wen was good at strategy, and now I can get a glimpse of it..."

Even if we don't care about Xun Yu's wisdom, would Cao Cao be willing to be the one who suffers the consequences? Obviously not, so what kind of disaster relief is being proposed openly this time, just for the suffering people?

Haha, no one believes it.

But what is the purpose of doing this?

Wei Huang believed that this was Cao Cao's false pretense, showing that he still had more strength, and even trying to resist Yuan Shao, but Geng Ji believed that the matter was far from being as simple as it seemed...

"Brother Wei, this strategy is extremely powerful..." Geng Ji seemed to have thought of something, and couldn't help but sigh, "At this time, disaster relief can have its name and its reality... Just imagine, if If there is chaos due to disaster, who will be harmed?"

Wei Huang suddenly said: "That's it!"

After a moment, Wei Huang turned his eyes and whispered: "In this case, wouldn't it be... if..."

"No." Geng Ji shook his head and said, "If Xun Wen had such a plan, how could he be unprepared? What's more, the name of the moment is disaster relief. If there is a little action, it can be punished as a crime of beetle people and obstruction of government! By then, the crowd will talk loudly, and then It’s a slanderous and slanderous act, but it’s hard to escape the blame…”

Wei Huang was stunned for a moment, "In this case, doesn't it mean that Xun Wenruo has sharpened his sword a long time ago? Treating people in a jar?"

Geng Ji nodded silently and sighed, "This is a conspiracy. Even if you see through it, what can you do?"

What was Cao Cao's biggest concern? Naturally, he was fighting on the front lines, and then the rear was on fire, causing internal and external pressure. But now, Xun Yu has shrouded it with a huge name. On the one hand, it can stabilize the local people's hearts. Anyway, basically the ruling class has You know, as long as the grassroots people have something to eat, there will be no chaos. Therefore, as long as disaster relief is carried out in a timely manner, even if some food is wasted, the suffering people can temporarily stabilize themselves and not be so easily instigated into chaos.

On the other hand, Xun Yu also firmly stood on the supreme position of morality. Whenever someone wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to do something small, Xun Yu could use the name of disaster relief to knock down a big hat. , even if you are immortal, you will still be half disabled! Maybe just like what Wei Huang said, Xun Yu has been watching eagerly, waiting for someone to jump out, and then he can harvest a wave...

"Xun Yu, Xun Wen Ruo..." Wei Huang was very emotional, shook his head and sighed, "Such a man with extraordinary scheming has turned into the claws of tigers and wolves. Alas... big man, how sad... and I don't know... what's the situation like in the battle to the north?"

Geng Jidao: "This is the power of Xun Wenruo's plan... If disaster relief is carried out, the refugees will gather together. In this way, the people will have plenty, so why worry about the inconvenience of transporting food and grass? One strategy has three uses, which can be determined internally and can help. Externally, it is suitable for the people and the army...you and me...well, it is beyond our reach..."

Wei Huang only felt a little bit cold all over. He didn't know whether it was because of the weather or because of his psychological feeling. He could only wrap his robe hard, but his hands and feet still felt cold.

"It's such a cold winter..." Geng Ji sighed leisurely, "It's so hard to endure..."

…………………………………………

The great Han Sikong Cao Mansion.

Cao Cao was still wearing a brocade robe, sitting in the hall, closing his eyes and meditating.

Cao Cao was very confused and tired, but he couldn't show a little bit of confusion or a little bit of tiredness on the surface. Because he knew that if he was exposed at all, it would quickly expand into countless numbers, and then the newly built towers and palaces would collapse!

"I've met my father, cough, father..." Cao Ang was injured and was caught in the rain before he fully recovered, causing the wound to become inflamed. Although it was not fatal, it still lasted for a long time. The wound is now considered serious. It healed, but the long-term inflammation and low fever also weakened Cao Ang's physique, making him a little weak and no longer as brave as before.

"My son, are you feeling better?"

Cao Cao looked at Cao Ang and felt a little guilty. These days, Cao Cao is either busy with the military or civil affairs. He even has to worry about Liu Xie on his butt not to poke him in the back, but he does not care enough about Cao Ang...

"Replying to my father, I am feeling better..." Cao Ang said, "In recent days, I have eaten a little bit... ahem... I have eaten some cattle and sheep. I believe that after a while, I will be back to normal..."

Cao Cao nodded and said, "So kind!" He looked slightly relieved.

"Father, do you have any instructions for calling the child?" Cao Ang said.

"This..." Cao Cao hesitated and stroked his beard. It was true that there were so many things going on at the moment that Cao Cao didn't think about it fully before and subconsciously called Cao Ang. However, seeing that Cao Ang was quite weak, he felt that something was wrong...

Cao Cao frowned.

Why don't you ask the second child to go?

But the second one is a bit too small, so I’m afraid it won’t be able to control the situation...

Cao Ang noticed Cao Cao's hesitation, raised his hands and said: "Father, my son can't go into battle to kill the enemy now, but he still wants to help his father, so please give me your instructions!"

Cao Cao took a slight breath, reached out and patted Cao Ang's shoulder, leaned into Cao Ang's ear, changed his tone to a more relaxed tone, and whispered: "The war is stalemate, I must go to the front line and keep an eye on...your uncle Yuan Rang In Puyang, filial sons and honest sons have their own important affairs... So here in Xu County, there is no one in charge, and I can't worry..."

"My child is willing to share his worries for his father!" Cao Angdang said immediately.

"Well," Cao Cao nodded, and then continued, "Now Wen Ruo is carrying out Chencang's plan in the name of disaster relief. Are you specific? He will tell you when the time comes... In addition, do you know what the purpose of this disaster relief is? ?”

"Uh, is it to save the people?" Cao Ang said directly without thinking much, then looked at Cao Cao's face, hesitated for a moment, and then added, "Is it for... the Great Han Dynasty?"

Cao Cao raised his brows, touched Cao Ang's head, and slapped him, neither lightly nor hard, "Go ahead and tell me what you gained after this matter is over..."

Cao Ang smiled and retreated.

Cao Cao stared at Cao Ang's figure until the figure disappeared in the porch, then slowly withdrew his gaze, looked up at the carved beams and painted pillars above the hall, and sighed long and gently.

After a while, Mrs. Ding hurriedly came from the backyard. When she saw Cao Cao, she asked: "Lang Jun, why did you ask Ang'er to go to rescue in such a cold weather? Ang'er's body has just recovered. What if..."

Cao Cao closed his eyes, pointed at his hair, and said, "Did you see it?"

"What?" Mrs. Ding was puzzled.

Cao Cao smiled and chanted leisurely: "The millet is separated from the ground, the seedlings of the rice. The pace is slow and the heart is shaking. Those who know me say that I am worried; those who don't know me say that I want nothing. The sky is long, Who is this?"

Cao Cao waved his sleeves, stood up, and said: "Madam, you love Ang'er, don't you? But just like the big tree in this courtyard, how can it grow without experiencing wind and snow? This disaster relief, one can If you can stabilize people's hearts, you will gain fame. If Ang'er doesn't go, who will go? Who can go?"

Mrs. Ding was silent, and after a while, she came closer, raised her hand and touched Cao Cao's hair, and said: "Oh... what your husband said makes sense... Husband, you should also pay attention to your health, gray hair is gradually appearing. I am also worried..."

Cao Cao laughed, held Mrs. Ding's hand with his backhand, and stood together in front of the hall, looking at the dim sky in the distance, speechless...